Hollywood Bowl — Attraction in Los Angeles

Rolling Stone magazine rated the Hollywood Bowl the No. 3 Best Concert Venue in the world and until I go to No. 1 (Budokon) and No. 2 (Red Rocks), I'll agree. My hubby and I are avid concert fans, and we average about 15 concerts a year. The Hollywood Bowl is an iconic venue for many reasons, but the sound, atmosphere and ambiance can't be beat, especially during the summer when the Bowl becomes the home to the LA Phil.

The summer concerts offer a little bit of everything for all concert goers. From world music to top talent like Gwen Stefani or classics like John Fogerty, the lineup is sure to please the harshest of critics. Of course for fans of classical music, the weekday line up has them covered with the LA Philharmonic.

Unlike most concert venues, patrons are permitted to take their own food and beverage (alcohol included) during Bowl-hosted events. (Food is permitted at all times, minus the alcohol for leased events. However, alcohol is premitted on the grounds before entering venue. Plenty of areas for picnicking are available without entering the venue itself).

Patrons can picnic at one of the many picnic areas inside the Bowl or outside before the ticket entrance. Whether one prefers a charcuterie or a full-blown dinner, it's a welcome aspect of concert going at this iconic venue. Think of it as tailgating, minus the hibachi grills and hot dogs. Insider tip: gates open one hour prior to the start of the opening act. Get there early when concerts are sold out as it will be a struggle to find a picnic table.

Now, the Bowl is called the Bowl for a reason. The stage itself is built like a half bowl against tucked away against the Hollywood Hills. That in itself contributes to the incredible sound from the perfectly tuned LA Phil or artists accompanied by the Phil or their own band. While the bowl has a seating capacity of close to 20K, the sound is top-notch anywhere from the box seats to the nosebleed section which I've been told is the section to be in. (We're usually in the box seats section, but have sat as far up as section R and the sound was as fabulous).

Seeing a concert in the box sections is a must for any concert aficionado. I highly recommend splurging for your fave artist. It's worth it. The seats are first rate and the service is also noteworthy. Box seat patrons can order food from the Wolfgang Puck restaurant on-site and have it served at a chosen time right at your seat. Plus, ushers set up the table for patrons using a level which is a must unless one wants a lopsided table. Once dinner is done, ushers take the trash away and undo the table so everyone in the box can watch the concert without the discomfort of a table I the middle of the seats. One need not order from the restaurant as patrons can also dine their own food from home or elsewhere.

Lastly, did I say the sound is everything! Imagine listening to your favorite artist at home but better. The sound is sharp, loud but not overly loud and perfectly mixed. It is perfection! If anything is perfect in Hollywood it's the sound at the Hollywood Bowl!

If you're a tourist who loves live music, you owe it to yourself 6o see a concert here. If you're a local who enjoys live music, do your part to support the local businesses and art. It's a magical experience. Note for locals or non: do NOT drive there. Instead take one of the many shuttles since parking at the Bowl is stacked only and $35 vs $6/pp for the shuttle. Yes, you'll have to endure a 20-1 hour bus ride (depending on location), but it's much better than being stuck in the parking lot at the Bowl for hours. Don't learn the...

I am writing to share an experience that has left an indelible mark on my family's hearts, largely due to the extraordinary efforts of one of your employees - Angie Dingman from the food and wine department. While our entire visit was memorable, Angie's exceptional service deserves special recognition and stands as a testament to the Hollywood Bowl's commitment to excellence.Our story began with a bit of chaos. After ordering food online for my son's 13th birthday celebration at the Bowl, I accidentally left my purse on top of my car and drove off, not realizing it until hours later. This mishap forced me to cancel my credit cards, which were in your system for the order. In my frazzled state, I reached out to your team for help.Enter Angie - a beacon of compassion and professionalism in my moment of distress. From the instant she answered my call, Angie transformed what could have been a day-ruining experience into a masterclass in customer service. Her approach went far beyond mere problem-solving; she offered empathy, understanding, and a level of personal care that is increasingly rare in today's fast-paced world.Angie listened patiently to my flustered explanation, her calm and reassuring voice immediately putting me at ease. She didn't just hear my words; she truly listened, understanding the emotional weight of the situation - a mother trying to salvage a special birthday celebration for her son. With grace and efficiency, she swiftly updated our payment information, but her kindness didn't stop there.Recognizing the significance of this event for my son, Angie took it upon herself to ensure our experience would be nothing short of magical. She shared in my excitement for creating this core memory for my son, understanding deeply how crucial it is to engage our youth in real-life experiences, especially as they enter their teenage years.What truly set Angie apart was her genuine investment in our joy. Thank you for making my son's 13th birthday such a memorable occasion. The experience of enjoying a gourmet meal in a terrace box while watching his favorite artist perform was nothing short of magical. In an age where it's increasingly challenging to keep young teens engaged with the world around them, experiences like this are invaluable. They help form stronger, more well-rounded adults who appreciate living life in real time rather than through social media. We left the Hollywood Bowl that night with more than just memories of great music and food. Thanks to Angie,and the staff that evening we left with our hearts full, feeling valued and cared for. In a world where digital experiences often overshadow real-life interactions, Angie reminded us of the irreplaceable magic of genuine, compassionate human connection. We are forever grateful for this experience. I must admit, after enjoying the terrace box, my son may never want to sit in the bleacher seats again! P.S. While Angie, Rocio, and Max stood out, I'm sure there were others behind the scenes contributing to our wonderful experience. The Hollywood Bowl's commitment to excellence shines through in every aspect of your operation, and for that, we are...

Behold, the paramount pinnacle of performance venues! Our recent attendance at the Andrea Bocelli concert at the Hollywood Bowl left us spellbound and enamored.

This architectural marvel is a behemoth of immense proportions, with a seating capacity of approximately 17,000 guests. In comparison to other non-stadium venues I've visited, which max out at around 9,000 attendees, Hollywood Bowl truly dwarfs all its competitors. Even the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver seems like a mere speck in comparison.

The journey to the venue can be a struggle, as we discovered on our drive from Venice, which took a taxing three hours due to the congestion of LA traffic and Bowl parking traffic. In hindsight, I unequivocally advise that you opt for the parking shuttle instead. Witnessing the throng of vehicles still vying for parking spots only 20 minutes before Bocelli's performance began was a harrowing sight.

As for dining, there's no need to venture elsewhere beforehand. With over five distinct areas and pavilions for sustenance, including a wine bar, an array of upscale food vendors, dessert shops, and casual eateries, the culinary selection is unparalleled. Imagine a Disneyland-inspired food haven, and you'll start to understand the gastronomic paradise that awaits you at the Hollywood Bowl. Trust me, it's reasonably priced for Los Angeles, so you won't regret it.

For those special events, you are permitted to bring your own food, but remember to leave the alcohol at home. As for departing, it's a chaotic and tumultuous affair, on a grander scale than any other venue. Picture the madness of a disaster movie, with throngs of LA street dog vendors adding to the atmosphere. However, the shuttle ride back to your car is a wild, unforgettable experience and is decidedly preferable to attempting to navigate the anarchy on your own.

In conclusion, I cannot recommend the Hollywood Bowl enough! It is a destination unlike any other, a veritable wonderland of sensory delight and...